What is
Chinese Herbal Medicine?
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Chinese
Herbal Medicine is one of the great herbal systems of the world, with an
unbroken tradition going back to the 3rd century BC.
Yet throughout its history it has continually developed in response to
changing clinical conditions, and has been sustained by research into every
aspect of its use. This process continues today with the development of
modern medical diagnostic techniques and knowledge.
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 Because of its systematic approach and clinical effectiveness it has
for centuries had a very great influence on the theory and practice of
medicine in the East, and more recently has grown rapidly in popularity in
the West. It still forms a major part of healthcare provision in China, and
is provided in state hospitals alongside western medicine. Chinese medicine
includes all oriental traditions emerging from Southeast Asia that have their
origins in China.
What can Chinese Herbal Medicine treat?
Chinese herbal medicine has a
role to play in the treatment of the following conditions:
- Skin disease,
including eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, urticaria
- Gastro-intestinal
disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation,
ulcerative colitis
- Gynaecological
conditions, including pre-menstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhoea,
endometriosis, infertility
- Hepatitis and HIV:
some promising results have been obtained for treatment of Hepatitis C,
and supportive treatment may be beneficial in the case of HIV
- Chronic fatigue
syndromes, whether with a background of viral infection or in other
situations
- Respiratory
conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, and chronic coughs, allergic
and perennial rhinitis and sinusitis
- Rheumatological
conditions (e.g. osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)
- Urinary conditions
including chronic cystitis
- Psychological
problems (e.g. depression, anxiety)
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